II - The High Priestess

The High Priestess

The High Priestess is a mysterious card and represents secret knowledge, both revealed and hidden. The banner behind her is hiding something, but the image of the tree with its fruits of knowledge hint at what lies behind. She holds a glowing fruit, a shining bit of wisdom, but we are uncertain of what it means. The moon at her feet and head show that this wisdom is shadowy and perhaps changing; it is best understood intuitively. In fact, intuition is vital to receiving the High Priestess' wisdom. The scroll on her lap promises explanation and understanding, if only she will share it. The black and white pillars are the negative and positive aspects of life. That the banner of knowledge hangs between them might suggest that usually the truth is neither black nor white, but lies somewhere in between.

This card is about knowledge that you need and that can be revealed. This knowledge is beyond logic. You must access and trust your intuition if you hope to understand it. Refrain from action for a while and instead take the time to search within yourself for the wisdom you need to move on. It could also mark the beginning of a personal spiritual journey. On mundane level, it suggests sharing knowledge and not keeping secrets.

If reversed, this card warns of knowledge withheld. You may be seeking something you are not meant to know. Perhaps someone is keeping something from you that you need to know. It could even be that you have knowledge that needs to remain a secret, at least for now.

Use your intuition:

On the banner, along with the tree, is a spiral staircase. Where does it lead and what does it mean?

On both pillars are figures holding something up. On the black one, the figure appears to be struggling, while on the white one the figure is standing gracefully upright. What does this signify?

What's behind the banner?

I - The Magician

The Magician

The Magician, with one hand raised toward the heaven and one extended toward the earth, I a card of making dreams a reality. Before her are a pentacle, a chalice, a wand, and a sword, representing the four element, and the four suits of the Minor Arcana. These symbols bring to mind the ace of each suit, which contain both the energy of the suit, and a window of opportunity to use that energy. They also show the creative process. The wand, or fire, is the creative spark, the initial concept of an idea, and the will to make it happen. The cup, or Water, is the beginning of the dream or vision for the idea. The Pentacle, or Earth, is the idea becoming real. The Magician manages all of this so effortlessly it does appear as magic.

This card indicates that it is time to focus on your goals, applying  your determination and skill to achieve those goals. Everything you need is available and you have the ability necessary. Move forward with confidence because this card suggests success in your endeavors. This is a magical moment filled with potential just waiting to be realized.

If reversed, this card warns of potential deception. Beware of someone promising more than he can deliver. The Magician can also be a charlatan. Be careful, too, of tricking yourself. You may be convinced that your plan is good, but you might be missing a needed element, or your plan may have unanticipated consequences.

Use your intuition:

Of the four elements, the wand is the largest and appears the most active (it is glowing). Also there are two candles, which also represent fire. What do those symbols say about the importance of will in achieving your goals?

What does the white robe signify?

Are the ravens in the back ground taking her wishes to Heaven, or are they bringing her inspiration? Or are they something else entirely?

0 - The Fool

The Fool

The Fool, wearing black embellished in colourful ruffles and bells, dances on the edge of a cliff. She is reveling in a particular moment in time, one where all possibilities exist, that brief moment when all choices seem available. There is potential and danger present; she is, after all, standing on a dangerous precipice. The cards, representing her choices, float around her. The bag attached to her staff is filled with everything she will need, no matter what she encounters. The light from her lantern illuminate and casts shadows. Her dog can give encouragement and warning, if needed. A raven perches on a sign, which she seems to ignore. She seems, to prefer a more random method or, perhaps, a more intuitive one to pick her path.

This card indicates being at a cross-roads. There are a variety of path you can choose, and the Fool suggests making an intuitive decision, even if it seems illogical. This is a moment of faith and trust, in yourself and in the Universe. Follow your heart and embrace whatever comes your way.

If reversed, this card warns of making a foolish decision. You may be so focused on the future or your dream that you ignore the danger signs right at your feet. Take the time to look around you, heeding signals that may help you make the right choice.

Use your intuition:

Which card will she pick, and how will she decide?

What does the sign say?

What does she carry in her bag?

The Tarot

The tarot, first known as trionfi and later as tarocchi, tarock, and others, is a pack of cards (most commonly numbering 78), used from the mid-15th century in various parts of Europe to play a group of card games such as Italian tarocchini and French tarot. From the late 18th century until the present time the tarot has also found use by mystics and occultists in efforts at divination or as a map of mental and spiritual pathways.

The tarot has four suits (which vary by region, being the French suits in Northern Europe, the Latin suits in Southern Europe, and the German suits in Central Europe). Each of these suits has pip cards numbering from ace to ten and four face cards for a total of 14 cards. In addition, the tarot is distinguished by a separate 21-card trump suit and a single card known as the Fool. Depending on the game, the Fool may act as the top trump or may be played to avoid following suit.

François Rabelais gives tarau as the name of one of the games played by Gargantua in his Gargantua and Pantagruel; this is likely the earliest attestation of the French form of the name. Tarot cards are used throughout much of Europe to play card games. In English-speaking countries, where these games are largely unknown, tarot cards are now used primarily for divinatory purposes. Occultists call the trump cards and the Fool "the major arcana" while the ten pip and four court cards in each suit are called minor arcana. The cards are traced by some occult writers to ancient Egypt or the Kabbalah but there is no documented evidence of such origins or of the usage of tarot for divination before the 18th century.






In this blog, we will be exploring the divinatory uses of the tarot. Most specifically, the deck "The Mystic Dreamer Tarot" by Heidi Darras. It's published by Llewellyn. I will be including pictures of the cards for study as well.